In brief it’s as follows -

Core System – €279.99 (down €20 from 299)

Premium System – €349.99 (down €50 from 399)

Elite System – €449.99 (new release)

While a number of interesting, albeit well-leaked, announcments have been mad, what really struck me was how cheesy the Microsoft people were. Their presentation style reeks of “I’m Hip, I’m Cool, I’m just like you average gamer”. From the first guy playing Rock Band onstage to Jeff Bell playing Madden 2008 on stage with Reggie Bush, it was a cringe-fest every time one of the presenters opened their mouth. With the notable exception of the PGR4 programmers who suffered from a severe case of deer in headlights.

Other announcements included -

• Microsoft’s “Big Button” controller for Sceneit. Hmm looks familiar….
• Sensible World of Soccer for Xbox Live Arcade. Another classic for 800 MS Points..
• Bourne Conspiracy game for 360. Loved the movies, keep meaning to get book, hope the game doesn’t ruin a fine Trilogy
• More Mass Effect buildup. A lot seems to be riding on it, and I must say, I like what I see so far.
• Xbox Live Marketplace goes global in 07/08. Pricing will be key here. If my local Xtra-Vision or Sky Box Office is cheaper, then I’ll ignore marketplace from the get go.
• Gears of War for Windows. The worst kept secret in gaming.

All in all, it looks like my lack of patience for the PS3 paid off in the end…